<p>Responding to the original question, Leo, I understand your predicament of choosing Oxford College or another school that will allow you to become part of the entire class.</p>
<p>Oxford College is a type of “experiment” that Emory University is trying. It used to be a college prep school, a community school, and now this 2+2 year school. Seeing the admission standards is significantly less than Emory CAS (56% vs 28%), most people resent the Oxfordians for their “backdoor” approach.</p>
<p>This should not matter so much since most of the Emory CAS students are not as juvenile as some are seen to be in forums/internet sources.</p>
<p>IF (BIG IF) you feel that a school that will provide a stronger and closer guidance is the school for YOU, by all means choose Oxford. In terms of academic rigors, first two years of college is pretty much generic. Introductory courses should not differ. Oxford colleges offer closer guidance and supervision while allowing you to make a smooth transition from high school to colleges.</p>
<p>And also consider the fact that some choose oxford over emory for this reason. Plus, you will continue your studies as an Emory student. Oxford or CAS, you are part of the Emory University students. The lower cost also helps student from disadvantaged background. (10k a year.) You also have the option of transferring with an AA degree (kind of moot in this economic times) if you feel that Emory isn’t right for you.</p>
<p>The downside of going to Oxford is that you will most likely be “stigmatized” for taking the back door. However, as you mentioned, you do not give a “****” so this shouldnt be a problem for you. You may also feel secluded. Oxford seems to be in middle of nowhere where as Emory CAS is in the Druid Hills of fast-paced Atlanta. If school community is what you’re looking for, I am sorry to inform you that this does not exist in either campuses.</p>
<p>UMD and UI(Urbana-Champgaign) are both excellent schools. If they offered you a spot in honors college, they will somehow offer you a small campus feel to it.</p>
<p>Remember, its what you make out of college, not the other way around. Most admission officers follow and cherish this belief. Graduating from any of those choices will not make or break your chance to earn graduate degrees.</p>